Corporations explore the viability of proposed projects through cost-benefit analysis. Do specific proposals contain the ingredients necessary for bringing successful returns on investments? Does benefit outweigh outlay? Another frequently used measurement is durability. Does the proposal offer sustainable returns? The rewards of discipleship may likewise be measured through comparison with costs. Those costs may include … Continue reading –>
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. John 6:66 To outward appearances this was a crushing rejection – the defection of a multitude of disciples. Only a day prior these same defectors were intent on making Him the king of the nation. Their enthusiasm had never been … Continue reading –>
My ninth-grade algebra teacher graded our tests on the curve. This meant that the highest grade would be counted as 100%. So if the highest grade was 80, our 70 would be considered 70/80 instead of 70/100, thus raising our percentage and grade considerably. There was only one problem. The same girl got 100% right … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : In order to be a disciple, we must discipline ourselves. We can’t police each other intensively; we need to keep ourselves under Christ and His law. [Lesson plan for The Cost of Discipleship March 24, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read Luke 12:51-53. a. Ask class members to share a thought on … Continue reading –>
Analyze the following passages: Luke 14:31-33, 1 Cor. 9:24-27, Heb. 12:1-4, 2 Pet. 1:5-11. What are these texts telling us about the life of a disciple? How have you, yourself, experienced the reality of what the Bible tells us here? The cost of discipleship involves discipline. Every impulse, every imagination, every ambition, and every desire … Continue reading –>
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:27). Discipleship means accepting Christ as Savior and Lord. Following Jesus means that you are ready to undergo the same suffering that Christ did. Thus, we must be honest in the way in which we present our message. Certainly … Continue reading –>
Study Luke 12:49-53; 14:25-26; Matthew 10:37. In what way are we to understand these strong words? What is Jesus telling us here? Modern television newscasters would have concocted a prominent scandal from these words. Today, celebrated religious leader Jesus of Nazareth advocated familial hatred during His afternoon address. Analysts are comparing these current pronouncements with … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 12:49-53; Deut. 21:15; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Matt. 18:8-9; John 14:1-3; Heb. 11:32-12:4. Memory Text: Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:7, ESV) Throughout history, nameless millions willingly sacrificed their lives … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Harvest and the Harvesters March 19, 2014] 1. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” Imagine us wretched creatures of this earth glorifying God the Father of all! He doesn’t see us as wretched at all, but as fallen sinners that He is ready to glorify and lift to the courts … Continue reading –>
“If you insist on joining another church, you will no longer live with me,” my auntie told me firmly. After my parents died, my brother and I lived with our aunt. She had sent us to an Adventist school so we’d have a Christian education. But she didn’t expect me to become an Adventist. I … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, The Last Journey From Galilee, pp. 488-496; Who is the Greatest? pp. 436-440; in The Desire of Ages. The Training of the Twelve, pp. 17-24; The Great Commission, pp. 25-34; Pentecost, pp. 35-46; The Gift of the Spirit, pp. 47-56; in The Acts of the Apostles. The disciples felt … Continue reading –>
Through teaching and personal example, Jesus taught His disciples to associate with sinners, even notorious ones such as prostitutes and tax collectors. How else would they disciple the whole world? His teaching often focused on these sinners. His characterization of them as lost demonstrates how merciful Christ was. He might have characterized them as rebellious … Continue reading –>
